Tour D’Amico Bicycle Ride

Dennis’ Birthday Ride: 30.59 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 2 hours 45 minutes, average speed 11.0

This little bike tour in Golden Valley, MN has been on our to-do list for some time. It takes place each year on the 4^th of July, which is also Dennis’ birthday, and this year we had plans to be in the Twin Cities which made it very easy to work into our schedule and not only would we be riding the tandem in this event but Kennedy would be joining us in the Burley for her first organized bike ride—A very happy 54^th to Dennis!

We were full of spirit as we began pedaling along the 30-mile route. We kept a close watch behind us as Kennedy settled in for the ride. Many riders passed us commenting on our red, white and blue outfits and of course on our precious cargo.

Our route started at D’Amico & Sons in Golden Valley and then spurred west along the Luce Line Trail and then south towards the water town of Wayzata. We enjoyed strolling along the Wayzata Bay which lead to a rest stop at D’Amico & Sons and included a variety of delicious salads, fruit and snacks. Kennedy enjoyed walking around the water rocks which created a perfect photo op for Grandma until it was time to return to the Burley and continue our ride.

We could tell Kennedy was getting tired when it took some coaxing to get her helmet back on but once the tandem wheels began spinning, she fell asleep and napped through an invitation to join a local parade that was lining up to start. We declined with the explanation that we were on a bicycle tour and had a map we needed to follow.

The afternoon temperature was getting very hot as we pedaled along but we all stayed hydrated with plenty of water aboard. We did experience a few incorrect markings along the route but made it to the finish in time to enjoy lunch under the shade of the D’Amico umbrellas.

We spent this awesome riding day with Kennedy and at ride’s end she still had smiles to share. She did a wonderful job entertaining her Grandma and Grandpa and we look forward to the next ride we can all do together.

Biking with Kennedy

Burley Biking South St. Paul: 10.26 miles
Tandem Pedal Time: 1 hour 14 minutes, average speed 10.26

We had plans to do some major biking with Kennedy today but had to scale them down as Kennedy was a bit under the weather—those darn teeth. The instant the Burley wheels began to turn, our granddaughter was fast asleep. We decided to trek towards the South St. Paul Regional Trail along the Mississippi River heading north towards Kaposia Park. We climbed out of Kaposia for about 2 miles pulling the additional weight of the Burley which contributed to our low mph for this adventure.

The fall colors were in bloom on this beautiful Friday afternoon. Biking the trails of this city is always so enjoyable. Once Kennedy awoke from her nap, we retraced our path back to see the ant at the Wildflower Levee Park. Dairy Queen was on our way home so we all stopped for Kennedy’s favorite treat: “up cream”.

Precious Cargo

Amish Market and Home: 9.53 miles
TANDEM: Ride Time was 48 minutes, average speed: 11.6

We were carting precious cargo on our route today—Kennedy had her first ride in the Burley pulled by Dennis and Amy on the tandem. She was a little worried about being placed in the Burley but once the wheels started spinning, her tears quickly turned to smiles. Luke and I rode on the single recumbents keeping close watch on Kennedy rolling along inside her colorful chariot. This was also a new experience for Luke but he proved to have a hidden talent for recumbent riding.

We all rested at the Amish Market which gave Kennedy some time on the playset before returning to the Burley for the trip back to the farm. This first trip with Kennedy was a success and ended with one tired toddler. She fell asleep a few miles into the return trip and remained napping when being removed from the Burley once back home.

We did have to do a little coaxing at first to get Kennedy to try this strange buggy but she quickly settled in to enjoy the ride. We look forward to many more miles pulling our precious granddaughter behind the Rans Screamer.